showcase beijing issue 130

Oct 2008

Hello and welcome to the first issue of Showcase Beijing, brought to you by Production Paradise. Beijing is leading the way as the capital of creative industry in China, shifting the paradigm from the concept of 'Made in China' to that of 'Created in China'. This subtle rebranding has seen an explosion of hugely talented companies and individuals begin to reach out to the international market.

As the world learns more about China's exciting creative possibilities, Production Paradise presents a selection of the very best local talent and service providers as the latest addition to its international network of visual media professionals. More information is available in our exclusive Beijing Directory.

Bloc Productions is a Beijing-based photography agency that represents both local and international talent throughout China.

The company's roster of photographers is supported by a locally-based team that handles all aspects of production, including budget management, scheduling, casting, location scouting, styling and onsite management.

Photographer Chenman made a huge public impact when she started shooting covers for China’s Vision magazine. As a Beijing native in her early twenties, Chenman is already highly regarded for her technical skills both with the camera and the computer. She handles her own post-production image work, from retouching to 3-D rendering, and has a strong aesthetic eye that brings out the best in her models. She regularly shoots for the Chinese make-up artist Tony Li, as well as various celebrities from China and Hong Kong.

Her work for Vision includes covers from the years 2003-2006, and 2007. She is also a regular contributor to the Chinese publications of Vogue, Elle, Bazaar, Marie Claire, Cosmopolitan, L'Officiel, Men's Uno, Esquire and ilook.

Her work has been featured in the French publication Preference, the New York magazine Unlimited, and the British magazines Nylon and Sport & Street.

Quentin Shih (aka. Shi Xiaofan) is a Beijing-based Chinese photographer specialising in advertising, fashion and editorial assignments. In 2007 he was awarded "Photographer of the Year" by Esquire magazine.

Hammer Films provides film production and location services in China and Taiwan. Since 1991, the company has been planning, creating and filming award-winning commercials, music videos, documentaries, events, photo shoots, TV dramas and feature films.

Providing full production services throughout China, the company specialises in international projects and offers cost estimating, schedule planning, location scouting, shooting permissions, casting, equipment rental, transportation, accommodation, postproduction coordination and access to sound studios. It can also arrange any other necessary filming requirements.

With its fast, comprehensive and flexible service, Hammer Films provides everything to make shooting in China both memorable and stress-free.

Infocus Asia (IFA) China is an independent television production company that provides quality programming, crew solutions and production facilities across China. Specialising in news and current affairs coverage, the company also works on innovative longer-format factual entertainment for the international market, and has had extensive experience producing corporate films and video news releases for NGO clients across the region.

IFA is home to some of the best production talent in the region. The multi-cultural team is led by a distinguished panel of directors, producers and cinematographers who ensure editorial and creative standards remain of the highest quality.

For over a decade, IFA has been a dedicated partner to various clients across the globe who rely on the company's extensive production network and expertise in the region. Clients include international broadcasters such as the BBC, Discovery Channel, National Geographic Channel, Animal Planet, Channel 4 and CNN, amongst many others.

You can contact Shaun Chang, IFA China Production Manager, on +852 6889 8579 +861 3501 175589 for more information.

TwentyOne Plus has two offices in Shanghai and Beijing, and its production team is built on a wide resource network and open platform that includes experienced professionals or associated companies from Paris, the USA, Australia, Italy, Holland and Thailand.

With its production expertise, the company's style covers big action, narrative, humour, beauty, animation, visual effects, celebrity and animal performances. Production partners are based in Australia and Paris to bridge the latest technology and information resources for productions throughout China.

G2 Studio Creative Workshop is an international collective of creative professionals specialising in audio and video production.

The collective offers a wide range of services covering every step of the process, from pre to postproduction. In addition to video production, G2 also offer writing, directing and photography services.

An asset to any foreign or Chinese company producing and managing their projects in China, G2 are experienced producers of corporate videos, documentaries, advertising videos, event filming, concerts, music videos, fashion shows, market research videos, press conferences, and more.

The Emperor is the first urban Design Hotels member in the People's Republic of China. It opened its doors with the aim of connecting modern design with traditional symbolism. The 55-room hotel is located adjacent to the former Imperial Palace of the Forbidden City, an acclaimed UNESCO world heritage site. Nestled in an old tree-lined avenue among traditional temples and houses, the hotel offers a tranquil respite from the hectic city pace of Beijing.

The all-day dining restaurant SHI features an integrated bar which at night transforms into a Beijing hotspot. Chef John Hao combines traditional Chinese elements with modern presentation, typified by the eight-specialty dishes on offer that are inspired by stories from Chinese Imperial history.

Serving innovative cocktails and a snack menu, YIN is one of the most breathtaking locations in Beijing. The bar is located on the roof of the hotel and offers unrivalled views of the Jingshan Hill pavilions and the Forbidden City palaces. The hotel spa and wellness area YUE, also located on the roof terrace, offers a reflection pool, two massage rooms, chill-out area and a fitness centre as part of its superb relaxation facilities.

The hotel's main meeting room accommodates 20 people and can even be used as a private event space. On the ground floor, private meeting spaces are interconnected with guest rooms. Exclusive events can also be held in the SHI restaurant within a private dining room that seats up to 15 guests.

In a typical issue Vision features interviews, articles and presentations covering a wide range of topics and disciplines, including film and video, fashion and beauty, architecture, interior design, science and technology, photography and music.

Vision City is an integral part of the magazine and has already successfully showcased big cities such as London, Paris, Tokyo, LA, Edinburgh, Copenhagen and Melbourne. Spread over 100 pages, the section depicts major world cities from a first-hand and uniquely 'Vision' angle.

The magazine sends editors, reporters and photographers to selected cities around the globe each month. Contrary to general tourist guide and reporting styles, Vision staff capture an up-close and highly realistic look at local lifestyles, presenting myriad aspects including culture, history, architecture, art, fashion and other topics of general interest.